1) What is Pronunciation Coaching?

Pronunciation Coaching is a form of linguistic speech training that focuses on fine-tuning a speaker’s ability to speak standard English. It generally involves accent reduction and adopting the more standard sound patterns, sentence constructions, and expressions of Standard English.

2) What is IPA? Do I need to learn it?

IPA stands for International Phonetic Alphabet. IPA is a collection of symbols, each representing a particular sound. Any word in any language can be pronounced by a person who can read IPA. IPA is used to help learners pronounce words accurately, according to how they are spoken by native speakers of the language.

3) I would like to speak with an American accent. How will Pronunciation Coaching help me to achieve this?

Pronunciation Coaching focuses on the actual sounds used in the International Phonetic Alphabet.  No accent should be adopted at this stage. Once the sounds and words are produced accurately according to IPA standards, the client can then apply an American accent or any desired accent to his speech.

4) I do not want to speak with a foreign accent. My local accent is part of my identity.

Pronunciation Coaching focuses on pronouncing  words correctly. Foreign accents can be reduced without being eliminated.

The desired output is clearly articulated, fluent-sounding, correctly stressed, intelligible and unambiguous words with a hint of Singaporean-ness. This is classified as  Standard Singapore English (SSE). Standard English of any language is generally the version spoken in schools and institutions of higher education and government as well as in formal situations.

An accent can only be changed to a different foreign accent if a person consciously adopts the intonation pattern and chooses to ‘sing’ the language differently.

5) Who can benefit from Pronunciation Coaching?

(a) Speakers who are learning English as a Second Language (ESL)

Case 1

A person from overseas has joined the company. However, she lacks confidence in speaking English and dreads having to do office presentations. Her pronunciation, grammar, and sentence structures are difficult to understand, and she is extremely stressed by each opportunity to standout in her job.

(b) Speakers who would like to fine tune their pronunciation

Case 2

A speaker delivers a well-crafted speech. However, his pronunciation carries tones, stress patterns and sounds that are influenced by his language of origin. A few  mispronounced words are acceptable. However, when there are a number different types of non-standard pronunciations in every sentence, it can be distracting, confusing, and in the worst case, result in derisive comments from certain audiences.

In some cases, the utterance can have a different meaning from what was intended, as seen below:

• I had an ache/ egg for breakfast (‘e’ is pronounced as a)
• My year/ ear hurts (‘y’ has been added’
• You are my whirr/ world (‘d’ has been dropped)
• I tink/ ting/ think I know (‘th’ is substituted with ‘t’ / ‘k’ is substituted with a ‘g’ / ‘k’ is dropped)
• The duck/ dark was everywhere (‘ar’ has been shortened to ‘u’)
• Feel/ fill the cup (short ‘i’ has been lengthened to ‘ee’)
• Baa baa black ship/ sheep (‘i ‘ has been substituted with ‘ee’)
• Be of service to udders / others (‘th’ has been substituted with ‘d’)
• My hut / heart (long ‘ar’ has been substituted with short vowel ‘u’)

This can be addressed with personalised Pronunciation Coaching to highlight relevant aspects such as vowel length, dropped word endings, and common sound substitutions.

6)  Areas of focus may include

• Grammar
• Sentence Construction
• Clear Articulation
• Intonation
• Liaison
• Word and Sentence Stress Patterns
• Accurate Pronunciation
• Accent Reduction

7) What happens in Pronunciation Coaching sessions?

In the first session, a general speech and language analysis will be made, followed by immediate practice to improve some of the areas identified. Reinforcement and a new focus will be added to each subsequent session.

8) What changes can I expect to experience after Pronunciation Coaching?

Pronunciation Coaching sessions will equip clients with

• the ability to project confidence
• an actual increased level of confidence
• the ability to read with expression by using vocal variety and appropriate body language
• the ability to articulate words clearly
• an understanding of how to use the International Phonetic Alphabet to facilitate English Language learning
• the ability to pronounce words accurately
• a greater proficiency in spoken and written English

9)  How many sessions do I need before I experience results?

This depends on how soon and consistently a client is able to practise and apply what is learnt in the Pronunciation Coaching sessions. Results are typically seen in the first session. Consistency in practice and reinforcement will help to create new speech patterns. Some areas of language require more time to assimilate.

10) Do I need to book lessons in advance?

Advanced booking is advisable. Bookings may be made en bloc / on a per-need basis, and are subject to availability.

11) What days and times are available?

(i) In-Person Private Language sessions are currently available between

• 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (weekdays)
• 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturdays)

12) How and where will classes be conducted?

Options include

• via Zoom
• in person

13) Can I bring a group of friends of mixed language proficiency to form a language group?

Clients who wish to attend as a group will need to be assessed in terms of language compatibility. For accelerated learning, a group should, ideally, be of a similar level of language proficiency.